All articles by Devin Gannon

See designs for the Brooklyn park dedicated to LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

Renderings courtesy of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office and NY State Parks

August 25, 2020

See designs for the Brooklyn park dedicated to LGBTQ advocate Marsha P. Johnson

By Devin Gannon

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday dedicated Brooklyn's East River State Park to Black transgender rights activist Marsha P. Johnson, making it the first state park in New York named after an LGBTQ person and transgender woman of color. Located on the Williamsburg waterfront and known for hosting popular outdoor market Smorgasburg, the park will feature a new colorful public art installation honoring Johnson, who played a significant role in the Stonewall Uprising and was a founding member of the Gay Liberation Front. The dedication comes on what would have been Johnson's 75th birthday.
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Policy

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

Model residence at 350 West 71st Street; photos courtesy of MW Studio/ Nina Poon

August 24, 2020

Inside a new luxury Upper West Side condo located on a hidden cul-de-sac

By Devin Gannon

The condo building at 350 West 71st Street manages to maintain its historic allure while providing residents all of the perks of modern living. Designed by DXA Studio, the seven-story development on the Upper West Side measures just 75,000 square feet, but still packs in an impressive amenity package, including a library, fitness center, playroom, and large landscaped rooftop with grill and lounge areas. The boutique building sits within the West 71st Historic District, designated 30 years ago for its uniqueness as a tree-lined cul-de-sac and the distinct Beaux-Arts architecture found across the properties.
Take the tour

NYC unveils outdoor learning option for schools

Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Carranza tour New Bridges Elementary in Brooklyn to observe the school’s PPE delivery and reopening preparations; Photo: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office on Flickr

August 24, 2020

NYC unveils outdoor learning option for schools

By Devin Gannon

New York City schools can use backyards, streets closed to cars, and certain parks for outdoor learning, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Monday. Unveiled just weeks before school is expected to open next month, the new option takes the "best ideas from around the world" to make school safe for students, teachers, and school staff, according to the mayor. "We know the disease doesn't spread the same outdoors," de Blasio said. "We want to give schools the chance to do as much outdoors as they can."
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Policy

Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

DineOut opens in Jackson Heights; Photo by Kamila Harris for Rockwell Group

August 24, 2020

Car-free blocks with diverse outdoor dining options open in Queens

By Devin Gannon

Two neighborhoods in Queens hit especially hard by the coronavirus are slowly getting back on their feet thanks to a new communal dining experience. David Rockwell and his firm Rockwell Group unveiled last week two new community outdoor dining areas on car-free blocks in the Queens neighborhoods of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, part of the firm's DineOut initiative. Both communities, which are considered to be among the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City, offer a variety of cuisines, including Tibetan, Nepali, Indian, Thai, and more.
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Food & Dining

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

Courtesy of Aufgang Architects

August 20, 2020

37 middle-income units available at new Brooklyn rental with rooftop movie screen, from $2,370/month

By Devin Gannon

Applications are now being accepted for 37 middle-income units at a new rental in Brooklyn. Located on the Clinton Hill-Fort Greene border, 810 Fulton Street (also known as 475 Clermont Avenue) rises 12 stories and contains 363 apartments. The building boasts a number of amenities, including a parking garage, children's playroom, fitness center, and a large landscaped rooftop with grills, a catering kitchen, and an outdoor movie theater. New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the apartments, ranging from a $2,370/month studio to a $3,063/month two-bedroom.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

NYC restaurant group threatens lawsuit over indoor dining ban

Courtesy of the Times Square Alliance

August 20, 2020

NYC restaurant group threatens lawsuit over indoor dining ban

By Devin Gannon

Although New York City's coronavirus infection rate hit an all-time low this week since the start of the pandemic at 0.24 percent and reopening plans for museums, schools, and bowling alleys have been announced, there is still no return date for indoor dining. The New York City Hospitality Alliance, a group representing the city's restaurants and nightlife venues, called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio this week to develop a plan to resume indoor dining in New York City, the only region in the state to not permit it. During a press conference on Wednesday, the group said they are considering suing over the indoor dining ban, which they see as unlawful, according to Crain's.
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Tour Central Park with this free virtual guide

Belvedere Castle; Courtesy of the Central Park Conservancy

August 20, 2020

Tour Central Park with this free virtual guide

By Devin Gannon

Exploring the 840+ acres of Central Park and all of its historic sites just got easier, thanks to a free new digital guide. The Central Park Conservancy this week launched a new guide to the park on the Bloomberg Connects app. Although official tours and programs are on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, green space lovers can still learn about the park's natural habitats, historic statues, and landmarked structures through photos, audio clips, and video, easily accessed from their smartphones.
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City Living

Slight jump in COVID-19 cases in Borough Park linked to large wedding

Photo by Christopher Macsurak on Wikimedia

August 19, 2020

Slight jump in COVID-19 cases in Borough Park linked to large wedding

By Devin Gannon

City health officials this week discovered an uptick in coronavirus cases in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Borough Park. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday said 16 new cases were found in the last week, with some linked to a large wedding that recently took place in the community. The mayor said the city will work with local leaders and organizations to spread the word about testing and social distancing and distribute masks at houses of worship.
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Policy

See which NYC neighborhoods have the highest rates of COVID antibodies

Courtesy of NYC Health Department

August 19, 2020

See which NYC neighborhoods have the highest rates of COVID antibodies

By Devin Gannon

The city on Tuesday released the results for roughly 1.5 million coronavirus antibody tests conducted since mid-April. The new data confirms earlier reports that the virus has hit people of color and low-income communities harder than more well-off neighborhoods in New York City. At 33 percent, the Bronx saw the highest rate of people who tested positive for COVID-19; in Manhattan, 19 percent of antibody tests were positive. A new map and table released by the city's health department break down antibody testing rates by ZIP code, age, borough, sex, and neighborhood poverty.
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Policy

This is what a landscaped ‘green block’ would look like in the Flatiron District

Courtesy of WATG

August 19, 2020

This is what a landscaped ‘green block’ would look like in the Flatiron District

By Devin Gannon

During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in New York City, fewer cars were on the road, leading to cleaner air and less noise pollution. And with nearly everything temporarily shut down, New Yorkers sought solace in open green spaces, parks, and open streets closed to cars. As the city is in the midst of reopening, WATG, a global multidisciplinary design firm, has proposed a plan to make the streets of New York greener while helping small businesses recover in the process.
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Popular Articles

On 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, NYPL releases feminism reading list

Courtesy of NYPL

August 18, 2020

On 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, NYPL releases feminism reading list

By Devin Gannon

On August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving some women the right to vote under federal law. In celebration of the milestone's centennial, the New York Public Library on Tuesday released a list of over 100 non-fiction titles about feminism, with a mix of current and historic materials. The "Essential Reads on Feminism," offers diverse perspectives on the fight for gender equality as well as reflects the limitations of the early suffrage movement, especially for women of color.
See the full list

City Living

Chelsea Market opens massive outdoor dining experience

Photo by Colin Miller

August 18, 2020

Chelsea Market opens massive outdoor dining experience

By Devin Gannon

One of New York City's first food halls moved outside this week, offering one of the largest outdoor dining spots in the city. Chelsea Market on Monday launched a block-long dining experience on 15th and 16th Streets with more than 115 socially-distanced tables and food and beverage options from more than a dozen vendors.
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Food & Dining

Winning design proposal brings better mobility and biodiverse ‘microforests’ to the Brooklyn Bridge

“Brooklyn Bridge Forest,” Pilot Projects Design Collective, Cities4Forests, Wildlife Conservation Society, Grimshaw and Silman, New York and Montreal

August 18, 2020

Winning design proposal brings better mobility and biodiverse ‘microforests’ to the Brooklyn Bridge

By Devin Gannon

Two proposals have been chosen as the winners of a design contest launched earlier this year that sought ways to improve pedestrian space on the crowded Brooklyn Bridge. The Van Alen Institute and the New York City Council on Monday announced that "Brooklyn Bridge Forest," a design that calls for lots of green space and an expanded wooden walkway, won the professional category. And "Do Look Down," which would add a glass surface above the girders and make space for community events and vendors, took the top prize in the young adult category.
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New York gyms and fitness studios can reopen August 24

Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash

August 17, 2020

New York gyms and fitness studios can reopen August 24

By Devin Gannon

New York gyms and fitness studios can reopen next week at limited capacity and with face-covering mandates, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday. The state says gyms can open as early as August 24 at a capacity of 33 percent if all guidelines, including ventilation requirements, are met. Local governments will determine whether indoor fitness classes are allowed to be held. But gyms in New York City will likely not reopen next week despite state approval, as the city prioritizes getting schools ready for September.
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Policy

New large-scale installation of ringing bells to open at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Photos: Nicholas Knight, Courtesy of Public Art Fund NY

August 17, 2020

New large-scale installation of ringing bells to open at Brooklyn Bridge Park

By Devin Gannon

A new art installation featuring five giant bells in 14-foot-tall structures will open at Brooklyn Bridge Park this week. Created by San Francisco-based artist Davina Semo, Reverberation allows visitors to ring each bell, drilled with a variety of holes to produce different tones and pitch. The exhibition, curated by the Public Art Fund, will be on view at the waterfront park from August 20 through April 18, 2021.
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Events & Things To Do

Noho’s Bleecker Street Bar is closing for good this month

Photo by Village Preservation on Flickr

August 14, 2020

Noho’s Bleecker Street Bar is closing for good this month

By Devin Gannon

After 30 years in Noho, Bleecker Street Bar will be closing permanently at the end of the month. As first spotted by EV Grieve, the neighborhood bar, located on the corner of Bleecker and Crosby, announced on social media that they were unable to reach a lease extension with their landlord and will close on Sunday, August 30.
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Food & Dining

Lottery launches for 129 apartments at South Bronx luxury rental, from $2,150/month

All images courtesy of EXR Realty/The Arches

August 14, 2020

Lottery launches for 129 apartments at South Bronx luxury rental, from $2,150/month

By Devin Gannon

A housing lottery launched on Friday for 129 middle-income units at a new rental project in the South Bronx. The Arches, a pair of 25-story towers on the Harlem River, claims to be the first luxury residential development in Mott Haven, boasting amenities like a landscaped rooftop, indoor movie theater, and fitness center. Qualifying New Yorkers earning 130 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, which include $2,150/month studios, $2,246/month one-bedrooms, and $2,730/month two-bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify

Affordable Housing

You can help choose the High Line’s next public art installation

August 14, 2020

You can help choose the High Line’s next public art installation

By Devin Gannon

Banu Cennetoğlu, "right?" The High Line is reviewing proposals for its next two art installations and is asking the public for feedback. The Plinth, part of the elevated park's newest section, the Spur, which opened last year, is dedicated space for public art, visible from the street at 30th Street and 10th Avenue. Eighty nominated artists have submitted proposals to be considered for the third and fourth Plinth commissions and now you can provide comments for each on the park's website.
See the proposals

Events & Things To Do

Brooklyn-based farmer proposes turning parts of Central Park into a community farm

Photo by Si B on Flickr

August 13, 2020

Brooklyn-based farmer proposes turning parts of Central Park into a community farm

By Devin Gannon

A farmer based in Brooklyn has come up with an idea that not only honors a historic black community but also gives back to present ones. Amber Tamm, a horticulturist and urban farmer who works at the Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm, told Fast Company about her proposal to convert 14 acres of Central Park into a farm that would feed Manhattanites in need.
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Uncategorized

Steiner Studios to open film and TV hub at Bush Terminal in Sunset Park

Credit: Synoesis

August 13, 2020

Steiner Studios to open film and TV hub at Bush Terminal in Sunset Park

By Devin Gannon

Steiner Studios will open a second film and television production facility in Brooklyn, city officials announced Thursday. The city's Economic Development Corporation and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment selected Steiner to open a 500,000-square-foot production space at Bush Terminal in Sunset Park, as part of the Made in New York Campus, currently being transformed into a garment manufacturing and media production hub. The studio has operated a facility across 50 acres at the Brooklyn Navy Yard since 2004, one of the largest production spaces outside of Hollywood.
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New Developments

Citi Bike to launch joint bike share program in Hoboken and Jersey City

Photo courtesy of Lyft

August 12, 2020

Citi Bike to launch joint bike share program in Hoboken and Jersey City

By Devin Gannon

It may soon be easier to bike between two waterfront New Jersey cities. Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop announced on Wednesday plans to roll out a joint bike share program run by Citi Bike that will be compatible in both neighborhoods. Previously, the neighboring cities had agreements with two separate bike-share companies, which gave riders traveling between the areas nowhere to dock. Members of the program will be able to rent Citi Bikes in New York at no additional cost.
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Transit

NYC ramps up testing in Sunset Park after uptick in COVID cases

Photo by Sam on Flickr

August 12, 2020

NYC ramps up testing in Sunset Park after uptick in COVID cases

By Devin Gannon

The city will intensify test and trace efforts in Sunset Park after health officials identified over 220 cases of the coronavirus in the Brooklyn neighborhood over the last two weeks. Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday announced that members of the Test and Trace Corps will knock on every door, call all 38,000 households, and direct residents to expanded testing in the community. "Our idea is to saturate Sunset Park over the next few days, literally reach every member of the community we possibly can, get as many people tested as possible, as quickly as possible," de Blasio said.
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Policy

Target to open at major mixed-use development in Harlem

BRP Companies

August 12, 2020

Target to open at major mixed-use development in Harlem

By Devin Gannon

A deal to bring the National Urban League back to Harlem was reached last month as part of a mixed-use development project planned for 125th Street. In addition to affordable housing, office space for nonprofits, and the city's first museum dedicated to civil rights, the $242 million project, known as the Urban League Empowerment Center, includes a new 44,000-square-foot Target, as the New York Post first reported.
Get the details

Brooklyn’s ‘greenest block’ is one step closer to becoming a historic district

Street view of East 25th Street; Map data ©2020 Google

August 11, 2020

Brooklyn’s ‘greenest block’ is one step closer to becoming a historic district

By Devin Gannon

The Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday calendared a block in Brooklyn's East Flatbush neighborhood for consideration as a new historic district. The proposed strip on East 25th Street between Clarendon Road and Avenue D consists of 56 remarkably cohesive limestone and brownstone buildings built by a single developer between 1909 and 1912. The effort to landmark the block, which has been awarded the "greenest block in Brooklyn" by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden four times, is being led by the community, which asked the LPC to evaluate the area last year.
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Policy

NYC launches online portal with free eviction help

August 11, 2020

NYC launches online portal with free eviction help

By Devin Gannon

An online portal launched on Monday to help New York City renters avoid eviction by providing free resources and legal assistance. The new website comes just days after Gov. Andrew Cuomo extended the state's eviction moratorium for at least another month, only hours before it was set to expire. But with housing trials expected to resume in September in most of the city, tenant advocates say that no law currently in place protects the 14,000 households issued eviction warrants prior to the pandemic.
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Policy

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